Nigerians Expect Speedy Passage of 2017 Budget – BMSG

Muhammad Labbo, Abuja: The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) has implored members of the National Assembly (NASS) to speedily consider and pass the 2017 budget since it is targeted at the improvement of the welfare of Nigerians and the economic growth of the nation.

Welcoming them from their Christmas break, Chairman of BMSG Muhammed Labbo and the Secretary Cassidy Madueke in a statement in Abuja, advised the lawmakers to be “sensitive to the aspirations of Nigerians by urgently passing the 2017 appropriation bill into law.”

According to the group, the change mantra of the President Muhmmadu Buhari administration would be achieved with the implementation of the 2017 budget and therefore urged the lawmakers not to allow any stumbling block to slow down the process of its passage.

BMSG also told the lawmakers to ensure that deliberations on the appropriation bill took into cognizance the issue of compliance with prudent financial regulations.

Furthermore, the group counseled that issues of pecuniary interests were jettisoned during deliberations so that Nigerians would reap the full benefits embedded in the 2017 budget. . The group expressed reservations regarding the secrecy that shrouds financial matters in NASS and therefore urged the lawmakers to be more open and transparent in order to earn the trust and confidence of the Nigerians they represent.

“Nigerians are keenly watching to see how transparent you (NASS) will be in handling the 2017 appropriation bill which the executive has tailored to meet their aspirations,” the group said.

BMSG called for a healthy engagement between the Legislature and the Executive arms of government to ensure a speedy passage of the 2017 appropriation bill.